Continuous fluid flow power generator

ABSTRACT

A continuous fluid flow power generator includes an electrical generator with submersible turbine blades in communication with a flow of fluid in a body of water to generate electricity. The generator may include a water tower and a hydro turbine generator to generate electricity through kinetic actions; a float and piston assembly activated by wave action to deliver water to the water tower; kick turbines to create water flow to the water tower through submersible pumps; and a rechargeable battery in communication with the electrical generator and the hydro turbine generator. The generator may also include solar assemblies and windmills to provide supplemental electricity generation for charging the rechargeable battery. The generator may be connectable to a battery bank aboard a vessel or to an electrical grid.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Alternative energy generation is sought by many people, businesses, andcountries for reasons ranging from political to ideological to hoped-forcost reductions. However, known alternative energy sources such as solarand wind—standing alone—have substantial drawbacks.

On a cost per watt basis, generating electricity based on solar energyis very expensive compared to conventional hydrocarbon fuels, wind,hydro, coal, and nuclear power. A single solar cell using the mostadvanced semiconductor material to date generates relatively littleelectricity. Therefore, solar panels with extremely large surface areasare required to capture sufficient sunlight to generate satisfactoryelectricity. Still further, expensive battery storage banks are neededto offset inevitable cloudy days when the solar panels are dormant.

Wind mills are another popular source of alternative energy, but likesolar this method of electricity generation requires expensive capitalinvestment and is subject to the weather—if no wind is blowing, noenergy is being generated. Also, like solar, harnessing wind forelectricity generation requires large wind mill farms to be practicalrelative to the expensive capital equipment and installation costs. Evena few adamant supporters will have to admit that finding the large areasneeded to harness these energy sources is fraught with controversy; forinstance, acres of land are required for numerous and massive windmills.

What is needed in the field of alternative energy production are systemsand methods that continuously produce electricity regardless of weatherconditions and which can be positioned inconspicuously or isolated fromview.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed in general to devices and systems forusing docks, boats, and open water to generate electricity for homes andbusinesses. Advantageously, the systems are not in public view and areoperating around the clock to generate electricity.

The systems also can be employed under bridges or at the sides of mainwater channels where strong, steady current flows are located. Diffusiondoors according to one aspect of the disclosure will enhance currentflow and torque to generate electricity for counties or cities.

Multiple units may be connected together in a sock or snake-likearrangement and/or installed beside each other in the open ocean currentstreams at a charging station. Freight liners can be equipped withlarge, safe, environmentally friendly batteries capable of handling highelectrical currents. One ship and its bank of batteries can draw powerfrom the generators of the systems at the charging stations and returnand transfer the stored electricity in its batteries to land whileanother ship is charging its battery bank. Moreover, the ships would notneed conventional engines as they could be powered by the batteries onboard.

In a further aspect, smaller generator units can be used with smallerboats such as pontoon boats. The smaller generators can be installed onthe deck of the boat. When the boat arrives in a desired location withstrong water current flowing, the boat can be anchored, and thegenerator turbine unit lowered into the water to generate electricityand save it to a battery installed on the boat. When the battery ischarged, the turbine blade can be retrieved, for instance, to a positionon the deck of the pontoon boat and locked to a safe position with acoupling and pin. Once back on land, the battery load can be safelytransferred to a unit installed at a house or transferred to anelectrical distribution grid.

An exemplary continuous fluid flow power generator according to thedisclosure includes a power generator having submersible turbine bladesin communication with a flow of fluid in a body of water; a water towerhaving a water pipe disposed proximate the generator; a submersible pumpin communication with the turbine blades, the submersible pump incommunication with the water pipe to fill the water tower as the turbineblades are rotated by the flow of fluid, the turbine blades furthercausing the power generator to generate a first source of electricity; ahydro turbine generator connected to the water pipe; and a pumpingassembly having a water conduit in communication with the water tower,the pumping assembly being activated by wave action to deliver water tothe water tower; and a rechargeable battery in communication with thepower generator and the hydro turbine generator; wherein, when the watertower reaches a desired level, the water is released to activate thehydro turbine generator to generate a second source of electricity, thefirst and second sources of electricity being storable in a rechargeablebattery or in communication with an electrical grid.

According to this aspect of the disclosure, the flow of fluid is watercurrent and the turbine blades are configured to rotate as the watercurrent passes along the blades. Moreover, the pumping assembly mayinclude a float and a conduit in which the float is movably disposedabout the conduit to pump water through the conduit into the watertower. The pumping assembly may further include a piston assembly thatpumps water into the water tower as the float moves. Multiple floats andpiston pumps may be provided to pump water into the water tower.

Also according to this aspect of the disclosure, the continuous fluidflow power generator may include a kick turbine disposed proximate thesubmersible turbine blades, the kick turbine in communication with asecondary flow of water being emitted from the submersible turbineblades to activate the kick turbine to deliver additional water to thewater tower.

The continuous fluid flow power generator of this aspect may furtherinclude a wind mill in communication with the rechargeable battery orthe electrical grid in which the windmill is configured to turn withwind currents to generate electricity to charge the rechargeable batteryor deliver electricity to the electrical grid.

Still further, the continuous fluid flow power generator in this aspectmay include solar panels in communication with the rechargeable batteryor the electrical grid in which the solar panels are configured tocapture sunlight to generate electricity to charge the rechargeablebattery or deliver electricity to the electrical grid.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a continuous fluid flow powergenerator may include a power generator having a plurality ofsubmersible turbine blades in communication with a flow of fluid in abody of water; diffusing doors disposed proximate the turbine blades,the diffusing doors configured to direct the flow of fluid to theturbine blades to generate electricity; and a rechargeable battery incommunication with the power generator, the electricity being storablein the rechargeable battery. In this example, the submersible turbineblades may be arranged near or connected directly to a fixed or floatingstructure. In a further aspect, some of the submersible turbine bladescan be arranged under a water vessel, and a screen can be placed nearthe submersible turbine blades to prevent foreign objects from reachingthe turbine blades.

In a further embodiment of the disclosure, a method for generating powerfrom a continuous fluid flow may include providing a power generatorhaving a plurality of submersible turbine blades in communication with aflow of fluid in a body of water; arranging a water tower having a waterpipe proximate the power generator; providing a submersible pump incommunication with the turbine blades, the submersible pump incommunication with the water pipe; rotating the turbine blades by theflow of fluid to cause the submersible pump to fill the water tower, theturbine blades further causing the power generator to generate a firstsource of electricity; providing a hydro turbine generator connected tothe water pipe; and arranging a float and piston assembly having a waterconduit in communication with the water tower; activating the float andpiston assembly by wave action to deliver water to the water tower;providing an electrical receptacle in communication with the powergenerator and the hydro turbine generator; releasing the water from thewater tower when full to activate the hydro turbine generator togenerate a second source of electricity; and delivering the first andsecond sources of electricity being to the electrical receptacle. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the electrical receptacle may be arechargeable battery or land-based electrical grid.

The method may further include providing a wind mill to generateelectricity using wind in which the wind mill is in communication withthe electrical receptacle to deliver the electricity thereto. Stillfurther, the method may include providing solar panels to capturesunlight to generate electricity in which the solar panels are incommunication with the electrical receptacle to deliver the electricitythereto. The electrical receptacle may be a rechargeable battery, andthe method may further include retrieving the rechargeable battery andreplacing with a battery to be charged.

In another embodiment according to the present disclosure, a continuousfluid flow power generator includes a power generator having a pluralityof submersible turbine blades in communication with a flow of fluid in abody of water wherein the turbine blades are rotated by the flow offluid to generate electricity; a floating or stationary platform forsupporting the power generator; a tower disposed proximate the floatingplatform, the platform connected thereto, the tower having a dockingarea; and a vessel equipped with a battery bank, the vessel dockablewith the docking area, the battery bank being electrically connectableto the power generator to charge the battery bank. The continuous fluidflow power generator may also include screens located near thesubmersible turbine blades to prevent foreign objects from reaching theturbine blades.

Other embodiments include the foregoing and other elements and stepsdescribed herein, and their equivalents, in various combinations.

Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are setforth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the artfrom the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated thatmodifications and variations to the specifically illustrated,referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof maybe practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variationsmay include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means,features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, andthe functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts,features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art willbetter appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments,and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an elevational, schematic view of a system for continuouselectricity production according to an aspect of the disclosure,including representative parts shown in cross section, phantom, and/ortruncated for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the system as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial elevational view of the portion of the system as inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another portion of the system as inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of portions of the system in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross section view of a base of the system takenalong lines VI-VI in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross section view of a brace aspect of the systemtaken along lines VII-VII in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of various turbine units as in FIG. 1,particularly showing units connecting in series with alternating unitsspinning clockwise and counter clockwise;

FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway, side, elevational view of anotherembodiment according to the disclosure in which a system for generatingelectricity via fluid flow is arranged on a structure;

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway, front, devotional view of the embodimentas in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows in part A an exploded elevational view of a turbine intakeassembly as in FIG. 10 with portions of an intake in phantom forclarity, and in part B a plan view of the turbine intake assembly takenalong lines XI-XI in FIG. 10 with flotation walls in phantom;

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the turbine intake assembly taken alonglines XII-XII in FIG. 10, and shows in an inset a cross sectional,elevational view of a bearing anchor assembly taken along linesXIIA-XIIA in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a partially cutaway, front, elevational view of anotherembodiment according to the disclosure in which a system for generatingelectricity via fluid flow is arranged on a vessel; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic, plan view of another embodiment according to thedisclosure in which a system for generating electricity via fluid flowis shown in an intended open water environment in which vessels may dockto charge battery banks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it isto be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary andmay be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural andfunctional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as theirequivalents.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there isa plurality of definitions for a term or acronym herein, those in thissection prevail unless stated otherwise.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the likeare used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood tofollow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,”“exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor thatdo not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms areunderstood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word“substantially” is not explicitly recited.

The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refersto the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given valuethat would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art,including approximations due to the experimental and or measurementconditions for such given value.

The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (andsimilarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the likeare used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, eachof the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patentlaw definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be anopen term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted notto exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etcetera. Thus,for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that thedevice includes at least components a, b and c. Similarly, the phrase:“a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes atleast steps a, b, and c.

Where a list of alternative component terms is used, e.g., “a structuresuch as ‘a’, ‘c’, ‘d’ or the like”, or “a” or b″, such lists andalternative terms provide meaning and context unless indicatedotherwise.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including, but notlimited to”.

Any discussion of prior art in the specification should in no way beconsidered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or formspart of common general knowledge in the field.

The various embodiments of the disclosure and/or equivalents fallingwithin the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at leastone of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a usefulalternative.

Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examplesembodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed descriptionuses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of thedrawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full andwritten description of the present subject matter, and of the manner andprocess of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as toenable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well asthe best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawingsare not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated toshow details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth inthe drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way ofexplanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. Thepresent subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations ofthe following examples as come within the scope of the appended claimsand their equivalents.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a continuous fluid flow power generator accordingto an aspect of the disclosure is designated in general by the elementnumber 10. The power or electricity generator 10 is installed on anexemplary tapered foundation or base 100 anchored at a bottom 7 of theocean or other open water 1 to take advantage of continuous currentflows and wave action. The power generator 10 broadly includes a TurbineGenerator Assembly 12, a Solar Power Assembly 14, and a WindmillAssembly 16. The exemplary Turbine Generator Assembly 12 includes agenerator 18, a turbine shaft 20, a first or top end bearing 22A, asecond or mid bearing 22B, and a third or bottom end bearing 22C. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the Turbine Generator Assembly12 is not limited to the exemplary bearings shown in this example andthat fewer or additional bearings may be utilized to accommodatedifferent sizes, weights, and lengths of shafts. Here also, a centralturbine or turbine blades 26 are shown between diffusing doors 28 havingrespective intakes or openings 30, 32 to receive a flow of water 1 toturn the turbine blades 26 to generate electricity, as will be explainedin greater detail below.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, positioned below the bearing 22Cin this example is a pump brace or flooring 78 to anchor or hold thebearing 22C and a submersible pump 46. Here, the submersible pump 46,which has a water intake valve (not shown) and is in communication witha check valve 52 located in a water pipe 48 to fill a water container36. The check valve 52 prevents the water that is already in the pipe 48from flowing back toward the pump 46 so that the pump 46 is not havingto pump against gravity. Although only one submersible pump 46 is shownin this example, multiple submersible pumps may be provided, such as ina stacked arrangement to increase water pumping capacity.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water pipe 48 terminates at anoutlet or nozzle 50 to fill the water container 36 with water 3. Asafety fence 38 may be provided to prevent debris or personnel fromfalling into the open water 1. As the water level 3 rises or recedes, itrespectively lifts or lowers a buoy or float device 54 that travels upand down a pipe or conduit 40, which surrounds the turbine shaft 20. Asfurther shown the pipe 40 has a first or top end 42 near the top bearing22A and another end 44 near the bearing 22B. When the float 54 rises toa predetermined or preset height near the top end 42, the float 54 tripsor opens a dumping valve 56A that releases the water 3 from a nozzle oraperture 56B into the open water 1. Here also, a secondary water sensingdevice or safety valve 58 provided to open the dumping valve 56A andrelease the water 3. As the water 3 is released into the ocean 1 itactivates a hydro turbine generator 60 to contribute to energygeneration by the system 10, as explained further herein. An “emptysensor” (not shown) may also be provided to close or shut the dumpingvalve 56A in the event that the tank 36 is empty to prevent potentialdamage to the hydro turbine generator 60. Conversely, an overflow nozzle59 may also be provided in the event the water 3 reaches an overfillcondition in the tank 36 for any reason.

FIG. 1 further shows additional sets of turbine blades 26′, also knownherein as a “kick turbines,” that may be provided to generate still moreelectricity resulting from an accelerated water stream flowing from thecentral turbine blades 26 described above. Here, the kick turbines 26′are shown schematically but can be mechanically connected to or near thebase 100 and tied into one or more water pipes 48 to help fill the watercontainer 36 with water 3. At least one kick turbine 26′ may be providedlevel with the openings 30, 32, and multiple additional kick turbines26′ can be arranged sequentially as shown to further fill the container36. Moreover, provided sufficient depth of the ocean 1, additionaldiffusing doors and turbine assemblies may be positioned below and inline with the blades 26 and diffusing doors 28. Each of these additionalassemblies may have accompanying kick turbines 26′ arranged at the levelof their respective turbine assemblies 26 to achieve maximum water flowacross the blades of the kick turbines 26I. Respective submersible pumps46′ also may be provided in communication with the kick turbines 26′ tofill the water container 36 as described above with respect to turbine26 and pump 46.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a pumping or float and pistonassembly 62 is in communication with the water container 36 in thisexample via a water pipe 66. A walkway or platform 98, as particularlyshown in FIG. 3, may be provided to which the pumping assembly 62 may beattached for additional structural support and maintenance access.Additionally, the exemplary platform 98 may be an enclosed room toshield equipment.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a beach-ball-shaped float 64 (althoughother shapes may be used) is slidably attached around pumping rods 76that in turn surround the pipe 66. As the float 64 moves up and down dueto wave action of the ocean 1, it draws water into a piston pump 74 thatdelivers water into the container 36 via a nozzle or valve 68, whichcontributes to the action of the float 54 and activation of the hydroturbine generator 60 described above. For clarity, only one float andpiston assembly 62 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. However, multiple floatand piston assemblies may be used described with respect to FIG. 5below.

FIG. 1 also particularly shows another pumping assembly or pump andfloat assembly 62′. Here, a float 64′ may be attached via a piston pumphandle 70′ to deliver water 3 via a nozzle 68′ (shown in phantom forclarity). As the float 64′ moves up and down due to wave action of theocean 1, it draws water into the piston pump 74 that delivers water intothe container 36 via the nozzle 68′, which contributes to the action ofthe float 54 and activation of the hydro turbine generator 60 describedabove. The pumping assemblies 62, 62′ may be utilized in thealternative, or they may be interspersed around the water container 36as described below.

With reference to FIG. 5, the multiple floats 64, 64′ introduced aboveare shown distributed around the water container 36. For clarity, onlytwo exemplary straight-arm floats 64 are shown by way of example, but asnoted above, these floats 64 may be interspersed between each set ofpump-arm floats 64′. Also shown in FIG. 5, chains or cables 74′ may beused to link the floats 64′ to each other while each float 64′ is alsoconnected to its respective pumping arm 70′ as explained above. Alsoshown schematically in this top plan view are the turbine blades 26centered between the tapered base 100.

Turning now to the Solar Power Assembly 14 introduced above, as shownmost clearly in FIG. 4 a hip roof 80 may be provided to cover thegenerator 18. As shown, the roof 80 may be overlaid with solar panels82. Therefore, while the turbine generator assembly 12 as explainedabove is constantly generating electricity via water and current action,the solar panels 82 also may be contributing to power generation andelectricity storage in a battery 86, which is in electricalcommunication with the solar panels 82. Electrical cables or connections84 are shown schematically connected between the panels 82 and thebattery 86. However, if the Solar Power Assembly 14 is located inproximity to land, the solar-generated electricity can be transmitteddirectly to a power or electrical grid rather than stored in the battery86.

By way of example and not of limitation, an Ambri-brand liquid metalbattery may be employed as the battery 86. Ambri-brand batteries areadvertised as being non-explosive and are not prone to overheating orcatching fire and are relatively cost effective and reliable. Further,these batteries are advertised as responding to grid signals inmilliseconds and will discharge slowly. Because Ambri-brand batteriesare emissions free, there is no need for a controlled temperatureenvironment as these batteries are capable of high electrical currentsat over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Ambri-brand batteries are fully sealedand are manufactured from earth abundant elements (magnesium, moltensalt and antimony). A shipping container size battery will put out 2 MWHand supply power to approximately 200 homes for one week.

With further reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the windmill 16 brieflyintroduced above includes a power generator 88, which, like the solarpanel assembly 14, is electrically connected to the battery 86 (orelectrical grid) via electrical lines 84. In this example, the windmill16 includes three or more exemplary blades 90 that are connected to ashaft 92, which extends from the power generator 88. The windmill 16 andits blades 90 are erected on and supported by a shaft 94 that isconnected to a base or brace 96 that may be installed on the hip roof 80described above. As the turbine generator assembly 12 and the solarpanel assembly 14 are respectively generating electricity via water andcurrent action and sunlight, the windmill 16 also may be contributing topower generation and electricity storage in the battery 86 (or feedingthe electrical grid) as the wind blows, particularly on the open ocean1.

With more particular reference to the flat, tapered walls 100 andturbine blades 26 introduced in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the walls 100 shown inFIG. 6 can be installed by way of example on the ocean floor 7. Here,the exemplary arrangement channels a flow of current (schematicallyindicated by double-headed arrows entering or leaving at 30, 32) intothe rotary turbine blades 26 from either direction as tidal flowschange. FIG. 6 shows that the turbine blades 26 will spin in the samedirection regardless of which direction the tide or current is moving;i.e., high tide water current is shown flowing in toward the blades 26from the top of the figure through diffusing door 30. Likewise, low tidecurrent flows in from the bottom of the figure through diffusing doors32 to force the turbine blades 26 to turn in the same direction, whichin turn generates electricity to be stored in the battery 86 (ordelivered to an electrical grid) as described above.

FIG. 7 also shows the tapered walls 100 but in this partial crosssection the pump brace 78 can be most clearly seen to which thesubmersible pump 46 introduced above is attached. This arrangement, asdescribed above, prevents the turbine shaft 20 from spinning out ofposition or applying unwanted torque to other components; e.g., toprevent the submersible pump 46 from spinning.

Turning to FIG. 8 an exemplary arrangement of four turbine units, eachhaving three turbine blade sets, are arranged in series in which theturbine blades 26 of top unit spins clockwise and the next one spinscounter clockwise and so on. Both ends may have screens 31 and are bothinlets and outlets depending upon current or tidal flow (schematicallyindicated by double-headed arrows). These units can be of one size or ofvarious sizes, and multiple units can be arranged for any desiredlength. Further, the units may be connected side to side for any desiredwidth. Still further, kick walls (see, e.g., walls 99 in FIG. 11) areprovided to ensure that water flows into the various blades in only onedirection.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a power generation system according toanother embodiment is broadly indicated by reference number 110. Here, agenerator assembly 112 is attached to, near, or under a fixed orfloating structure such as a spillway, a dam, a bridge, dock or thelike, generally designated as 134. The dock 134 in this example isanchored by poles or pilings 111 to a river or lake bed 107 and may befurther secured by chains or cables 103, particularly in bodies of waterwith strong currents or those susceptible to harsh weather conditions.As shown, the assembly 112 includes one or more sealed generators 118positioned on the dock 134 above a water line 101. The generators 118preferably are shielded by a roof or protective cover 105. Thegenerators 118 each have turbine shafts 120 connected to respectiveturbine blades 126 (shown schematically) for generating electricity fromthe underwater current to charge a battery 186 (or electrical grid).Each of the shafts 120 are secured by braces 178 to prevent othercomponents from twisting or turning as the shafts 120 rotate, asexplained in more detail with respect to FIG. 12 below.

As further shown in FIG. 9, fittings or sleeves 148, which arepreferably stainless steel, are connected around the pilings 111. Thegenerator unit 112 along with the dock 134 therefore floats up and downthe pilings 111 as the tide rises or recedes or waves move them. Alsoshown are screens 131 to allow only water to enter and to preventdebris, large fish, and even people from reaching the turbine blades 126entering from either diffusion door 130, 132.

With respect to both FIGS. 9 and 10, the tapered diffusing door 130directs and concentrates water flow toward the blades 126 while one ofthe screens 131 protects the turbine blades 126 as indicated above. Alsoshown in FIG. 10 are solar lights 114 that can be charged during the daytime to provide light to those on the dock 134 or nearby walkways 109 atnight.

FIG. 11 shows in part A the screen 131 separated from the diffusing door132 introduced in FIG. 9. Some of the turbines 126 may be viewed in FIG.11, which are partly obscured by kick walls 99. More particularly, asshown in part B of FIG. 11 a single generator 112 is shown from the topin which the screens 131 protect the diffusing doors 130, 132 andthereby the turbine blades 126 as the water flows in or out througheither door 130, 132 as the tide or current shifts. The kick walls 99(which also contain floatation material indicated here in partial crosssection) ensure that water entering either door 130, 132 contacts theblades 126 in only one direction so the water current is not strikingthe foremost blades 126 in opposing directions, which would reduceturbine effectiveness. Moreover, by directing or focusing the incomingcurrent onto the blades 126, the kick walls 99 have the additionalbenefit of concentrating the current and accelerating a rotation of theturbine blades 126 thereby increasing energy production.

Turning to FIG. 12 another view of the generator system 112 as in FIG.11 shows three generators 120 (in phantom for clarity) arranged betweenroof posts 113. Pilings 111 are shown around a perimeter of the dock 134with diffusing screens 131 shown in phantom to screen water flow(indicated by double-headed arrows) at entrances 130, 132. Here, thegenerators 120 are protected by doors or hatches 105 wherein people maywalk on the dock 134 (and over the hatches 105) without interfering withthe generators 120. As shown in the inset, if one of the generators 120needs service or replacement, the respective hatch 105 can be opened andthe generator 120 may be lifted easily from the hatch 105 and replaced.Specifically, a bearing sleeve 179 may be provided, which is anchored inthe brace 178 to keep the shaft 120 from rotating uncontrollably orcausing other components to twist. However, as the inset illustrates,the sleeve 179 along with the shaft 120 can be removed or installedaxially without little effort.

With reference now to FIG. 13, a power generation system according toanother embodiment is broadly indicated by reference number 210. Here, agenerator assembly 212 is attached to or under a platform such as aboat, vessel, barge or the like generally designated as 234.Alternatively, the platform can be a stationary, anchored, or fixedstructure. In this example, the vessel 234 has guard rails 238 andpontoons 264 for floating on a river or lake 201. As shown, the assembly212 includes one or more sealed generators 218 positioned on a deck 236.The generators 218 preferably are shielded by a roof or protective cover205 and are in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery 286.The generators 218 each have turbines 220 connected to respectiveturbine blades 226 (shown schematically) to generate power to charge thebattery 286. Also shown is a retractable electrical cable harness 254that can be used with hydraulic piston assemblies 272 to lower theturbines 220 into the water at an area where current is flowing to spinthe turbine blades 226 to thereby charge the battery 286 via electricalcables 284. The deployed or submersed turbines 220 are shownschematically and in phantom for clarity. When the battery 286 ischarged, the electrical cables 284 can be reeled in with the cableharness 254, and the turbines 220 retracted to the deck vessel 234.

FIG. 14 shows a power generation system according to another embodimentof the disclosure, which is broadly indicated by reference number 310.Here, a floating generator platform 312 includes a bank of generators318 positioned on a deck 336. The generators 318 preferably are shieldedby a roof or protective cover (not shown) and are in electricalcommunication with turbines 320 to generate power to recharge batterybanks 386 aboard vessels 324 docked to respective collocated platformsor towers 300. As shown, cables, chains or harnesses 303 can be used toattach the floating platform 312 to the towers 300, and the batterybanks 386 aboard the vessels 324 may be charged by the generators 318via electrical cables or connections 384. There will be sufficient butrestricted slack in the harnesses 303 to accommodate wave and tidalactions but to prevent the platform 312 from contacting the towers 300or the anchored vessels 324. Moreover, the vessels 324 will be anchoredor docked at sufficient distances so as to not disturb the generators318 or other pumping devices. When the battery bank 386 aboard one ofthe vessels 324 is charged, that vessel 324 may depart to deliver itscharge to land, such as to an electrical grid, while the other vessel324 recharges its battery bank 386. Of course, if the platform 312 issufficiently close to land, the electrical cables 384 may be connecteddirectly to an electrical grid to provide power to nearbymunicipalities.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1. A continuous fluid flow power generator, comprising apower generator having a plurality of submersible turbine blades incommunication with a flow of fluid in a body of water; a water towerhaving a water pipe disposed proximate the generator; a submersible pumpin communication with the turbine blades, the submersible pump incommunication with the water pipe to fill the water tower as the turbineblades are rotated by the flow of fluid, the turbine blades furthercausing the power generator to generate a first source of electricity; ahydro turbine generator connected to the water pipe; and a pumpingassembly having a water conduit in communication with the water tower,the pumping assembly being activated by wave action to deliver water tothe water tower; and a rechargeable battery in communication with thepower generator and the hydro turbine generator; wherein, when the watertower reaches a desired level, the water is released to activate thehydro turbine generator to generate a second source of electricity, thefirst and second sources of electricity being storable in a rechargeablebattery or in communication with an electrical grid.

Embodiment 2. The continuous fluid flow power generator of embodiment 1,wherein the flow of fluid is water current and the turbine blades areconfigured to rotate as the water current passes along the blades.

Embodiment 3. The continuous fluid flow power generator of embodiments 1or 2, wherein the pumping assembly includes a float and a conduit, thefloat movably disposed about the conduit to pump water through theconduit into the water tower.

Embodiment 4. The continuous fluid flow power generator of any of theembodiments 1-3, wherein the pumping assembly includes a piston assemblythat pumps water into the water tower.

Embodiment 5. The continuous fluid flow power generator of any of theembodiments 1-4, wherein the pumping assembly includes a plurality offloats and a plurality of piston pumps to pump water into the watertower.

Embodiment 6. The continuous fluid flow power generator of any of theembodiments 1-5, further comprising a kick turbine disposed proximatethe submersible turbine blades, the kick turbine in communication with asecondary flow of water being emitted from the submersible turbineblades to activate the kick turbine to deliver additional water to thewater tower.

Embodiment 7. The continuous fluid flow power generator of any of thepreceding embodiments, further comprising a wind mill in communicationwith the rechargeable battery or the electrical grid, the windmill beingconfigured to turn with wind currents to generate electricity to chargethe rechargeable battery or deliver electricity to the electrical grid.

Embodiment 8. The continuous fluid flow power generator of any of thepreceding embodiments, further comprising solar panels in communicationwith the rechargeable battery or the electrical grid, the solar panelsbeing configured to capture sunlight to generate electricity to chargethe rechargeable battery or deliver electricity to the electrical grid.

Embodiment 9. A continuous fluid flow power generator, comprising apower generator having a plurality of submersible turbine blades incommunication with a flow of fluid in a body of water; diffusing doorsdisposed proximate the turbine blades, the diffusing doors configured todirect the flow of fluid to the turbine blades to generate electricity;and a rechargeable battery in communication with the power generator,the electricity being storable in the rechargeable battery.

Embodiment 10. The continuous fluid flow power generator of embodiment9, wherein the submersible turbine blades are arranged proximate a fixedor floating structure.

Embodiment 11. The continuous fluid flow power generator as inembodiments 9 or 10, wherein the submersible turbine blades are arrangedunder a water vessel.

Embodiment 12. The continuous fluid flow power generator as in any oneof embodiments 9 through 11, further comprising a screen disposedproximate the submersible turbine blades to prevent foreign objects fromreaching the turbine blades.

Embodiment 13. A method for generating power from a continuous fluidflow, the method comprising providing a power generator having aplurality of submersible turbine blades in communication with a flow offluid in a body of water; arranging a water tower having a water pipeproximate the power generator; providing a submersible pump incommunication with the turbine blades, the submersible pump incommunication with the water pipe; rotating the turbine blades by theflow of fluid to cause the submersible pump to fill the water tower, theturbine blades further causing the power generator to generate a firstsource of electricity; providing a hydro turbine generator connected tothe water pipe; and arranging a float and piston assembly having a waterconduit in communication with the water tower; activating the float andpiston assembly by wave action to deliver water to the water tower;providing an electrical receptacle in communication with the powergenerator and the hydro turbine generator; releasing the water from thewater tower when full to activate the hydro turbine generator togenerate a second source of electricity; and delivering the first andsecond sources of electricity being to the electrical receptacle.

Embodiment 14. The method as in embodiment 13, wherein the electricalreceptacle is a rechargeable battery or land-based electrical grid.

Embodiment 15. The method as in embodiments 13 or 14, further comprisingproviding a wind mill to generate electricity using wind, the wind millbeing in communication with the electrical receptacle to deliver theelectricity thereto.

Embodiment 16. The method as in embodiments 13 through 15, furthercomprising providing solar panels to capture sunlight to generateelectricity, the solar panels being in communication with the electricalreceptacle to deliver the electricity thereto.

Embodiment 17. The method as in embodiments 13 through 16, wherein theelectrical receptacle is a rechargeable battery and further comprisingretrieving the rechargeable battery and replacing with a battery to becharged.

Embodiment 18. A continuous fluid flow power generator, comprising apower generator having a plurality of submersible turbine blades incommunication with a flow of fluid in a body of water wherein theturbine blades are rotated by the flow of fluid to generate electricity;a floating platform for supporting the power generator; a tower disposedproximate the floating platform, the floating platform connectedthereto, the tower having a docking area; and a vessel equipped with abattery bank, the vessel dockable with the docking area, the batterybank being electrically connectable to the power generator to charge thebattery bank.

Embodiment 19. The continuous fluid flow power generator as inembodiment 18, wherein the platform is a stationary platform or afloating platform.

Embodiment 20. The continuous fluid flow power generator as inembodiments 18 or 19, further comprising respective screens disposedproximate the submersible turbine blades to prevent foreign objects fromreaching the turbine blades.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the presentdisclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, andthe subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A continuous fluid flow power generator,comprising: a power generator having a plurality of submersible turbineblades in communication with a flow of fluid in a body of water; a watertower having a water pipe disposed proximate the generator; asubmersible pump in communication with the turbine blades, thesubmersible pump in communication with the water pipe to fill the watertower as the turbine blades are rotated by the flow of fluid, theturbine blades further causing the power generator to generate a firstsource of electricity; a hydro turbine generator connected to the waterpipe; and a pumping assembly having a water conduit in communicationwith the water tower, the pumping assembly being activated by waveaction to deliver water to the water tower; and a rechargeable batteryin communication with the power generator and the hydro turbinegenerator; wherein, when the water tower reaches a desired level, thewater is released to activate the hydro turbine generator to generate asecond source of electricity, the first and second sources ofelectricity being storable in a rechargeable battery or in communicationwith an electrical grid.
 2. The continuous fluid flow power generator asin claim 1, wherein the flow of fluid is water current and the turbineblades are configured to rotate as the water current passes along theblades.
 3. The continuous fluid flow power generator as in claim 1,wherein the pumping assembly includes a float and a conduit, the floatmovably disposed about the conduit to pump water through the conduitinto the water tower.
 4. The continuous fluid flow power generator as inclaim 3, wherein the pumping assembly includes a piston assembly thatpumps water into the water tower as the float moves.
 5. The continuousfluid flow power generator as in claim 1, wherein the pumping assemblyincludes a plurality of floats and a plurality of piston pumps to pumpwater into the water tower.
 6. The continuous fluid flow power generatoras in claim 1, further comprising a kick turbine disposed proximate thesubmersible turbine blades, the kick turbine in communication with asecondary flow of water being emitted from the submersible turbineblades to activate the kick turbine to deliver additional water to thewater tower.
 7. The continuous fluid flow power generator as in claim 1,further comprising a wind mill in communication with the rechargeablebattery or the electrical grid, the windmill being configured to turnwith wind currents to generate electricity to charge the rechargeablebattery or deliver electricity to the electrical grid.
 8. The continuousfluid flow power generator as in claim 1, further comprising solarpanels in communication with the rechargeable battery or the electricalgrid, the solar panels being configured to capture sunlight to generateelectricity to charge the rechargeable battery or deliver electricity tothe electrical grid.
 9. A continuous fluid flow power generator,comprising: a power generator having a plurality of submersible turbineblades in communication with a flow of fluid in a body of water;diffusing doors disposed proximate the turbine blades, the diffusingdoors configured to direct the flow of fluid to the turbine blades togenerate electricity; and a rechargeable battery in communication withthe power generator, the electricity being storable in the rechargeablebattery.
 10. The continuous fluid flow power generator as in claim 9,wherein the submersible turbine blades are arranged proximate a fixed orfloating structure.
 11. The continuous fluid flow power generator as inclaim 9, wherein the submersible turbine blades are arranged under awater vessel.
 12. The continuous fluid flow power generator as in claim9, further comprising a screen disposed proximate the submersibleturbine blades to prevent foreign objects from reaching the turbineblades.
 13. A method for generating power from a continuous fluid flow,the method comprising: providing a power generator having a plurality ofsubmersible turbine blades in communication with a flow of fluid in abody of water; arranging a water tower having a water pipe proximate thegenerator; providing a submersible pump in communication with theturbine blades, the submersible pump in communication with the waterpipe; rotating the turbine blades by the flow of fluid to cause thesubmersible pump to fill the water tower, the turbine blades furthercausing the power generator to generate a first source of electricity;providing a hydro turbine generator connected to the water pipe; andarranging a float and piston assembly having a water conduit incommunication with the water tower; activating the float and pistonassembly by wave action to deliver water to the water tower; providingan electrical receptacle in communication with the power generator andthe hydro turbine generator; releasing the water from the water towerwhen full to activate the hydro turbine generator to generate a secondsource of electricity; and delivering the first and second sources ofelectricity being to the electrical receptacle.
 14. The method as inclaim 13, wherein the electrical receptacle is a rechargeable battery orland-based electrical grid.
 15. The method as in claim 13, furthercomprising providing a wind mill to generate electricity using wind, thewind mill being in communication with the electrical receptacle todeliver the electricity thereto.
 16. The method as in claim 13, furthercomprising providing solar panels to capture sunlight to generateelectricity, the solar panels being in communication with the electricalreceptacle to deliver the electricity thereto.
 17. The method as inclaim 13, wherein the electrical receptacle is a rechargeable batteryand further comprising retrieving the rechargeable battery and replacingwith a battery to be charged.
 18. A continuous fluid flow powergenerator, comprising: a power generator having a plurality ofsubmersible turbine blades in communication with a flow of fluid in abody of water wherein the turbine blades are rotated by the flow offluid to generate electricity; a platform for supporting the powergenerator; a tower disposed proximate the platform, the platformconnected thereto, the tower having a docking area; and a vesselequipped with a battery bank, the vessel dockable with the docking area,the battery bank being electrically connectable to the power generatorto charge the battery bank.
 19. The continuous fluid flow powergenerator as in claim 18, wherein the platform is a stationary platformor a floating platform.
 20. The continuous fluid flow power generator asin claim 18, further comprising respective screens disposed proximatethe submersible turbine blades to prevent foreign objects from reachingthe turbine blades.